About us
The Emma Suzanne Mills Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2022. Our organization is driven by a mission to enrich humanity by serving local and international children in need. Our primary focus is on providing life-changing relationships and support for children in need of a forever family. Inspired by Emma's dream of pursuing a master's degree in social work and establishing her own adoption agency, our foundation aims to honor her legacy and make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Currently, we are dedicated to collaborating with local charities that share our vision and operate with utmost integrity. Our goal is to create a positive impact on the lives of children in the foster care system facing challenging circumstances and local women with unplanned pregnancies. Through targeted assistance programs, we aim to provide vital resources, emotional support, and opportunities for growth and empowerment.
Meet
emma
continuing emma's dream
Emma Suzanne Mills, 23, of Boise, Idaho passed away on January 1, 2022. Emma was born September 3, 1998 on the island of Majuro, the Republic of the Marshall Islands. She was adopted at birth by Holly Lloyd Mills and Scott Mills. Emma was initially raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana where she grew up surrounded by a lot of love, close friends, and horses. In 2005, Emma’s family returned to Boise, Idaho and she continued to grow up surrounded by her grandparents; the Lloyds, many aunts, uncles, and cousins; the Schaffners and the Inmans. Emma found a personal relationship with God at an early age. She was baptized at Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School and attended Christian schools for most of her education. Reading and studying the Bible often set the tone for Emma’s life and she frequently referred to her favorite verses for guidance.
Recently, she scouted through these verses to pick which prayers would be read at her grandfather’s funeral. Additionally, she found God and joy in the outdoors, which was obvious through her love of traveling, snowboarding, surfing, and boating with family and her many friends. She attended Cole Valley Christian for her elementary years, Heritage Middle School, Rocky Mountain High School for a year and then three years at Bishop Kelly High School where she graduated in 2017. Emma played Elite level soccer for over ten years where she played for the Boise Capitals as well as the FC Nova soccer clubs. She also played 4 years of varsity soccer at both Rocky Mountain and Bishop Kelly High Schools and won the 4A High School State Championship with her team at BK in 2016. In May 2020, she graduated from the University of Idaho, where she majored in sociology, minored in justice studies and was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. Emma planned to attend post-graduate school, which would allow her to accomplish her goal of starting her own adoption agency. She shined brightly when working with children and advocating for those in need. Emma’s love for others was evident in all that she did.
meet the mind behind the mission
Having the opportunity to adopt from Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands was a dream come true. Emma was 11 days old when we adopted her and the court hearing was while we were there. It was final.
Final is only as good as your attorney. He had not filed some important paper work and her passport was void when I went to the Immigration Naturalization Services in New Orleans to get her citizenship. They even said the word “Deport”. A child that every hoop had been jumped and legal representation was going back to Majuro. The international adoption attorney was glad to take our case and corrected the error for a price. Attention to detail from the original attorney had let us down.
From the beginning, adoption was the right choice for us and our little family of three. We raised her with intense love and the time was ours to have a beautiful, smart and witty little one. Dancing was a huge play time and it carried out through out Emma’s life into adulthood. She felt the pulse of every beat in her music. Her car would vibrate up the driveway.
No words can explain the friendship and mother-daughter relationship that was ours. Emma was my daughter, best friend and teacher. I learned something from her everyday that she was here on earth and this continues from the heavens. She is with me on this journey and I thank God for the time we had together. Adoption is growing a baby in your heart. With the ups and downs of adoption, similar to some pregnancies, it has a wonderful outcome with a child and family. This family continues to honor Emma’s legacy. Leaving a lasting impression was Emma’s way.
I started the Emma Suzanne Mills Foundation in knowing we can help others have a loving forever family. These were Emma’s desires and wishes as she entered her career path. If and when it is your desire to find the future family members from the US or internationally, let us help.
There are thousands of US children waiting for their forever families.
In the most sincere respect and love for Emma, we carry on.
Holly Lloyd Mills